Grilled peaches are a sweet treat, and when paired with a tangy blackberry sauce, they become extra special. This dish is easy to make and perfect for summer gatherings!
Nothing says summer like caramelized peaches on the grill. I love serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream or just on their own. They disappear quickly, trust me! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Ripe peaches are essential for this dish. Their natural sweetness and juiciness get enhanced by grilling. If peaches aren’t in season, nectarines or apricots can be a tasty alternative.
Blackberries: Fresh blackberries create a vibrant sauce. If you can’t find blackberries, you could use raspberries or blueberries. Frozen berries also work; just thaw and drain them before use.
Olive oil: This helps with grilling and adds flavor. You can swap it for melted butter or avocado oil if you prefer a different taste or are looking for dairy-free options.
Sugar: Adjust the sugar according to how sweet your fruit is. For a healthier swap, try honey or maple syrup, but reduce the amount slightly as these sweeteners are more potent.
Mint leaves: They make a lovely garnish! If you don’t have mint, try basil for an interesting twist, or just skip it entirely.
How Do You Grill Peaches Perfectly?
Grilling peaches is simple, but a few steps will help you nail it. The aim is to get beautiful grill marks and a tender texture without the peaches falling apart.
- Make sure to preheat the grill to medium heat; this helps to achieve those nice marks.
- Brush the cut sides of the peaches with olive oil. This prevents sticking while adding flavor.
- Place them cut-side down on the grill and let them cook for about 4-5 minutes without moving them. This allows for those great grill marks and caramelization.
- Keep an eye on them to ensure they are tender but not mushy. You want them soft but still holding their shape!
How to Make Grilled Peaches With Blackberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Peaches:
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Blackberry Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
- 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
For Garnish:
- Mint leaves (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 15 minutes to prepare and grill. You’ll spend a few minutes cooking the blackberry sauce while the peaches grill perfectly on the barbecue. It’s a quick and delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This ensures that the peaches will grill nicely and have those beautiful charred marks.
2. Prepare the Peaches:
Take the halved peaches and lightly brush the cut side with olive oil. This helps to keep them from sticking to the grill and adds fantastic flavor!
3. Grill the Peaches:
Place the oiled peach halves cut-side down on the preheated grill. Let them cook for about 4-5 minutes. You want to see grill marks and let the peaches become tender. The aroma will be amazing!
4. Make the Blackberry Sauce:
While the peaches are grilling, it’s time to prepare the blackberry sauce. In a saucepan, combine the blackberries, sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook until the blackberries break down and the mixture thickens slightly, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If you want a smoother sauce, feel free to mash the blackberries a bit.
5. Finish the Sauce:
Once the mixture is thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the optional vanilla extract. Set it aside to cool slightly while the peaches finish grilling.
6. Serve It Up:
When the peaches are ready, carefully take them off the grill and arrange them on a serving plate. Drizzle the warm blackberry sauce generously over the top of the grilled peaches. If you like, add some fresh mint leaves for a lovely garnish.
7. Enjoy:
Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful and fruity dessert! Perfect for a summer gathering or a sweet treat after dinner.
Can I Use Canned Peaches Instead of Fresh?
While fresh peaches are recommended for grilling, you can use canned peaches in syrup if that’s what you have. Just be sure to drain them well and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture. Grill them for a shorter time—about 2-3 minutes per side—since they’re already soft.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Blackberry Sauce?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, start with 1-2 tablespoons of sugar and gradually taste as you cook. You can always add more sugar if needed. Conversely, for a sweeter sauce, feel free to increase the sugar to suit your taste. Just remember, the natural sweetness of the blackberries can vary!
What Is the Best Way to Store Leftover Blackberry Sauce?
Store any leftover blackberry sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring gently until heated through. If it thickens too much, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
Can I Grill Other Fruits in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Other fruits like nectarines, plums, or even pineapple grill beautifully and would complement the blackberry sauce well. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the fruit’s size and ripeness, so adjust accordingly!
